Pet Food Compositions

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are pet food compositions. In one embodiment, pet food compositions which are described comprise a component selected from 2-deoxy-D-glucose; 5-thio-D-glucose; 3-O-methylglucose; 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol; 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol; mannoheptulose; and mixtures thereof. In yet another embodiment, pet food compositions which are described comprise an extract of plant matter selected from avocado, alfalfa, fig, primrose, and mixtures thereof. The pet food compositions may be prepared by any of a variety of processes including, but not limited to, optional processes described herein.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and is a Continuation Application ofU.S. application Ser. No. 12/638,101, filed Dec. 15, 2009, which is aContinuation Application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/842,301, filedMay 10, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,666,459, issued Feb. 23, 2010, whichis a Continuation-in-Part Application of U.S. application Ser. No.09/950,052, filed Sep. 12, 2001, now abandoned.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to pet food compositions. In certainembodiments, the pet food compositions may comprise a selectedcarbohydrate component, or extract of plant material selected fromavocado, alfalfa, fig, primrose, and mixtures thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Studies have indicated that restriction of caloric intake by fooddeprivation slows down certain undesirable cellular processes inlaboratory animals, many associated with aging and age-related diseases.

In particular, caloric restriction has been shown to consistently extendthe life span, delay onset and slow tumor progression, and retardphysiologic aging in many systems. Indeed, research spanning more thansixty years has shown that caloric restriction is a nutritionalintervention that consistently extends longevity in animals. SeeWeindruch and Walford, “The Retardation of Aging and Disease by DietaryRestriction,” Springfield, Ill.: Charles C. Thomas (1988); Yu,“Modulation of Aging Processes by Dietary Restriction,” Boca Raton: CRCPress (1994); and Fishbein, “Biological Effects of Dietary Restriction,”Springer, N.Y. (1991). These effects of caloric restriction on life spanand tumorigenesis have been reported numerous times since the earlystudies of McKay. See McKay et al., “The Effect of Retarded Growth Uponthe Length of Lifespan and Upon Ultimate Body Size,” J. Nutr., Vol. 10,pp. 63-79 (1935). Indeed, over the past two decades, a resurgence ofinterest in caloric restriction in gerontology has led to the generalacceptance that this dietary manipulation slows physiologic aging inmany systems. See Weindruch and Walford, “The Retardation of Aging andDisease by Dietary Restriction,” Springfield, Ill.: Charles C. Thomas(1988); Yu, “Modulation of Aging Processes by Dietary Restriction,” BocaRaton: CRC Press (1994); and Fishbein, “Biological Effects of DietaryRestriction,” Springer, N.Y. (1991).

Reductions in fasting glucose and insulin levels are readily measuredbiomarkers of caloric restriction. Calorically restricted rodentsexhibit lower fasting glucose and insulin levels, and the peak glucoseand insulin levels reached during a glucose challenge are reduced inthose on caloric restriction. See Kalant et al., “Effect of DietRestriction on Glucose Metabolism and Insulin Responsiveness and AgingRats,” Mech. Aging Dev., Vol. 46, pp. 89-104 (1988). It is also knownthat hyperinsulinemia is a risk factor associated with several suchdisease processes, including heart disease and diabetes (Balkau andEschwege, Diabetes Obes. Metab. 1 (Suppl. 1): S23-31, 1999). Reducedinsulin levels and body temperature are two of the most reliableindicators of this altered metabolic profile (Masoro et al., J.Gerontol. Biol. Sci. 47:B202-B208, 1992); Koizumi et al., J. Nutr. 117:361-367, 1987; Lane et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 93:4154-4164, 1996).

Components such as 2-deoxy-D-glucose have been described which block orinhibit certain aspects of carbohydrate metabolism and may thereforemimic the effects of caloric restriction (Rezek et al., J. Nutr.106:143-157, 1972; U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2002/0035071). These components exert a number of physiological effects;including reduction of body weight, decrease in plasma insulin levels,reduction of body temperature, retardation of tumor formation andgrowth, and elevation of circulating glucocorticoid hormoneconcentrations. (For a review see Roth et al., Ann. NY Acad. Sci.928:305-315, 2001). These effects result from inhibition of carbohydratemetabolism.

However, the commercial utility of such components has been limited,particularly as practical applications had yet been identified. Thepresent inventors herein provide compositions which may be commerciallyutilized and further provide processes for preparation of suchcompositions. In particular, it has been found that the componentsherein may be processed from plant matter, or otherwise provided, andthen subjected to traditional pet food processing (such as, for example,extrusion or other such vigorous methods) without compromising theintegrity of the component.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to pet food compositions. In oneembodiment, the invention is directed to pet food compositionscomprising a component selected from the group consisting of2-deoxy-D-glucose; 5-thio-D-glucose; 3-O-methylglucose;1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol; 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol; mannoheptulose; andmixtures thereof. In yet another embodiment, the invention is directedto pet food compositions comprising an extract of plant matter selectedfrom the group consisting of avocado, alfalfa, fig, primrose, andmixtures thereof. The pet food compositions may be prepared by any of avariety of processes including, but not limited to, optional processesdescribed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various documents including, for example, publications and patents, arerecited throughout this disclosure. All such documents are herebyincorporated by reference. The citation of any given document is not tobe construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to thepresent invention.

All percentages and ratios are calculated by weight unless otherwiseindicated. All percentages and ratios are calculated based on the totalcomposition unless otherwise indicated.

Referenced herein are trade names for components including variousingredients utilized in the present invention. The inventors herein donot intend to be limited by materials under a certain trade name.Equivalent materials (e.g., those obtained from a different source undera different name or reference number) to those referenced by trade namemay be substituted and utilized in the descriptions herein.

In the description of the invention various embodiments or individualfeatures are disclosed. As will be apparent to the ordinarily skilledpractitioner, all combinations of such embodiments and features arepossible and can result in preferred executions of the presentinvention.

The compositions herein may comprise, consist essentially of, or consistof any of the features or embodiments as described herein.

While various embodiments and individual features of the presentinvention have been illustrated and described, various other changes andmodifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. As will also be apparent, all combinations of theembodiments and features taught in the foregoing disclosure are possibleand can result in preferred executions of the invention.

As used herein, the term “pet” means a domestic dog or cat.

As used herein, the term “pet food composition” means a composition thatis intended for ingestion by the pet. Pet food compositions may include,without limitation, nutritionally balanced compositions suitable fordaily feed, as well as supplements (e.g., treats) which may or may notbe nutritionally balanced.

Compositions of the Present Invention

The present invention is directed to pet food compositions. In oneembodiment, the invention is directed to pet food compositionscomprising a component selected from the group consisting of2-deoxy-D-glucose; 5-thio-D-glucose; 3-O-methylglucose;1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol; 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol; mannoheptulose; andmixtures thereof. Without intending to be limited by theory, it isbelieved that these components are glucose anti-metabolites. See e.g.,U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0035071. In anotherembodiment, the components may be present in the recited compositions byvirtue of a component of plant matter such as avocado, or other enrichedsource of mannoheptulose such as alfalfa, fig, or primrose.

The inclusion of glucose anti-metabolites as part of the pet foodcompositions herein are useful, for example, to alter utilization ofglucose or other energy sources and to mimic metabolic effects ofcaloric restriction. Without intending to be limited by theory, thepresent use of glucose anti-metabolites to alter glucose metabolismserves to lower the metabolic rate through inhibition of glucose as anenergy source on the cellular level. Judicious use of components thatblock the normal metabolism of cellular glucose can result in changes inphysiological function that are similar to those arising from caloricrestriction. Caloric restriction has been consistently shown to extendlongevity in animals. See Weindruch and Walford, “The Retardation ofAging and Disease by Dietary Restriction,” Springfield, Ill.: Charles C.Thomas (1988); Yu, “Modulation of Aging Processes by DietaryRestriction,” Boca Raton: CRC Press (1994); and Fishbein, “BiologicalEffects of Dietary Restriction,” Springer, N.Y. (1991).

Components which are useful herein include 2-deoxy-D-glucose,5-thio-D-glucose, 3-O-methylglucose, anhydrosugars including1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol, 2,5-anhydro-D-glucitol, and2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol, and mannoheptulose. Mannoheptulose is preferredfor use herein. Advantageously, mannoheptulose or any other componentmay be present in the recited compositions as a component of plantmatter such as avocado, or other enriched source of mannoheptulose suchas alfalfa, fig, or primrose. The plant matter may include the fruit,seed (or pit), branches, leaves, or any other portion of the relevantplant or combination thereof.

Avocado (also commonly referred to as alligator pear, aguacate, orpalta) contains unusually enriched sources of mannoheptulose, as well asrelated sugars and other carbohydrates. Avocado is a sub-tropicalevergreen tree fruit, growing most successfully in areas of California,Florida, Hawaii, Guatemala, Mexico, the West Indies, South Africa, andAsia.

Species of avocado include, for example, Persea Americana and Perseanubigena, including all cultivars within these illustrative species.Cultivars may include ‘Anaheim,’ ‘Bacon,’ ‘Creamhart,’ ‘Duke,’ ‘Fuerte,’‘Ganter,’ ‘Gwen,’ ‘Hass,’ ‘Jim,’ ‘Lula,’ ‘Lyon,’ ‘Mexicola,’ ‘MexicolaGrande,’ ‘Murrieta Green,’ ‘Nabal,’ ‘Pinkerton,’ ‘Queen,’ ‘Puebla,’‘Reed,’ ‘Rincon,’ ‘Ryan,’ ‘Spinks,’ ‘Topa Topa,’ ‘Whitsell,’ ‘Wurtz,’and ‘Zutano.’ The fruit of the avocado is particularly preferred for useherein, which may contain the pit or wherein the pit is removed or atleast partially removed. Fruit from Persea Americana is particularlypreferred for use herein, as well as fruit from cultivars which producelarger fruits (e.g., about 12 ounces or more when the fruit is mature),such as Anaheim, Creamhart, Fuerte, Hass, Lula, Lyon, Murrieta Green,Nabal, Queen, Puebla, Reed, Ryan, and Spinks.

Plant matter from alfalfa, fig, or primrose are also reported to providerelatively high levels of mannoheptulose. Alfalfa is also referred to asMedicago sativa. Fig, or Ficus carica (including Cluster fig or Sycamorefig, for example) may also be used, as well as primrose or Primulaofficinalis.

The present inventors have discovered that particular levels of acomponent selected from 2-deoxy-D-glucose; 5-thio-D-glucose;3-O-methylglucose; 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol; 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol;mannoheptulose; and mixtures thereof, are useful herein. In particular,it has been found that relatively low levels, as well as relatively highdoses of the component, while useful, may provide less than optimalefficacy for desired purposes. In particular, an optimal dose to thepet, on a daily basis, has been surprisingly discovered to be from about1 mg/kg to about 15 mg/kg, more advantageously from about 2 mg/kg toabout 10 mg/kg, even more advantageously from about 2 mg/kg to about 5mg/kg, wherein (as will be commonly understood in the art) the “mg”refers to level of the component and the “kg” refers to kilograms of thepet. In certain embodiments, this may translate to pet food compositionscomprising less than about 5%, or less than about 2%, or from about0.0001% to about 0.5% of the component, all by weight of thecomposition. The level of component may be determined by one of ordinaryskill in the art based on a variety of factors, for example, the form ofthe pet food composition (e.g., whether a dry composition, semi-moistcomposition, wet composition, or supplement, or any other form ormixture thereof). The ordinarily skilled artisan will be able to utilizethe preferred optimal doses, and use these to determine the optimallevel of component within a given pet food composition.

Similarly, wherein an extract of plant matter is utilized in the petfood compositions herein, optimal levels of extract will of course bedependent upon level of efficacious component within such extract.Optimal extracts have been found herein which comprise from about 1% toabout 99% of the component, alternatively from about 5% to about 75% ofthe component, alternatively from about 10% to about 50% of thecomponent, all by weight of the extract.

Pet food compositions will advantageously include foods intended tosupply necessary dietary requirements, as well as treats (e.g., dogbiscuits) or other food supplements. Optionally, the composition hereinmay be a pet food composition such as a dry composition (for example,kibble), semi-moist composition, wet composition, or any mixturethereof. Alternatively or additionally, the composition is a supplement,such as a gravy, drinking water, yogurt, powder, suspension, chew, treat(e.g., biscuits) or any other delivery form.

Moreover, in one embodiment the pet food composition is nutritionallybalanced. As used herein, the term “nutritionally balanced,” withreference to the pet food composition, means that the composition hasknown required nutrients to sustain life in proper amounts andproportion based on recommendations of recognized authorities in thefield of pet nutrition.

The compositions used herein may optionally comprise one or more furthercomponents. Other components are beneficial for inclusion in thecompositions used herein, but are optional for purposes of theinvention. In one embodiment, the food compositions may comprise, on adry matter basis, from about 10% to about 90% crude protein,alternatively from about 20% to about 50% crude protein, alternativelyfrom about 20% to about 40% crude protein, by weight of the foodcomposition, or alternatively from about 20% to about 35% crude protein,by weight of the composition. The crude protein material may comprisevegetable proteins such as soybean, cottonseed, and peanut, or animalproteins such as casein, albumin, and meat protein. Non-limitingexamples of meat protein useful herein include a protein source selectedfrom the group consisting of beef, pork, lamb, poultry, fish, vegetable,and mixtures thereof.

Furthermore, the compositions may comprise, on a dry matter basis, fromabout 5% to about 40% fat, alternatively from about 10% to about 35%fat, by weight of the food composition.

The compositions of the present invention may further comprise a sourceof carbohydrate. Grains or cereals such as rice, corn, milo, sorghum,barley, wheat, and the like are illustrative sources.

The compositions may also contain other materials such as dried whey andother dairy by products.

Optional Processes for Preparing the Compositions of the PresentInvention

The pet food compositions may be prepared by any of a variety ofprocesses including, but not limited to, optional processes describedherein. Disclosed herein are optional processes for preparing thepresent inventive compositions. The ordinarily skilled artisan willunderstand, however, that the compositions are not limited by thefollowing described processes.

A process for preparing the present compositions may comprise:

-   -   (a) providing plant matter selected from the group consisting of        avocado, alfalfa, fig, primrose, and mixtures thereof;    -   (b) combining the plant matter with an aqueous solution and        optionally with an enzyme, further optionally with heating, to        provide a digested plant mixture;    -   (c) optionally separating any fractions present in the digested        plant mixture, if any, to provide a carbohydrate extract;    -   (d) concentrating the digested plant mixture to enhance the        concentration of carbohydrate therein; and    -   (e) combining the digested plant mixture with one or more pet        food composition components.

The plant matter provided in the optional processes may be avocado,alfalfa, fig, primrose, and mixtures thereof. The plant matter may beany portion or whole of the plant, such as the leaves, fruit, seed orpit, particularly at least those portions of the plant that containelevated levels of carbohydrate such as 2-deoxy-D-glucose,5-thio-D-glucose, 3-O-methylglucose, 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol,2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol, or mannoheptulose. In one optional processherein, the avocado is provided, and the process may commence with wholeavocado fruit, including the pit or devoid (or partially devoid) of thepit. If the plant matter which is provided contains a pit, or partialpit, the pit or portion thereof may be optionally removed prior tofurther processing. Alfalfa, fig, or primrose may be similarlyprocessed.

In one optional process, production of a digested plant mixturecomprises combination of the plant matter with an aqueous solution, suchas water, to assist with maceration of the plant into manageableconstituents. Optionally but preferably, an enzyme having cellulose orpectin activity, or any combination thereof (such as a cellulase,hemicellulase, or pectinase) is included to assist with such maceration,including to assist with dissolution and release of carbohydrates viacell wall disruption. The utility of such an enzymatic treatment may beenhanced through heating during such maceration, such as from aboveambient temperature to about 120° C., or to about 100° C., or from about60° C. to about 120° C., or from about 60° C. to about 100° C. Agitationis further preferably utilized, typically for up to about 24 hours, butdependent upon the batch under processing. In one embodiment, the pH iscontrolled such to preserve enzyme activity, often in the range of pHfrom about 4 to about 6, preferably in the range of pH from about 5 toabout 6. As such, depending upon such factors as ripeness of plantmatter, quality of process aqueous solution (such as water added forprocess, for example), and the like, amounts of acid or base may bedesirable as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Optionally, to assist with deactivation of the enzymes present, heatingmay be increased at the time of, or after, initial heating and agitationto form the digested plant mixture. Water is optionally heated toprocessing temperatures prior to the addition of the plant matter. Heatmay be applied by a jacketed tank where low pressure steam is utilized.

The digested plant mixture may result in fractions which may beseparated in accordance with common techniques. For example, fractionspresent in the digested plant mixture may be separated by filtration toprovide the carbohydrate extract as the resulting filtrate, with thefilter cake being discarded. Other methods may include, but not belimited to, gravimetric, centrifugal, other filtrations, or combinationsthereof.

The carbohydrate extract may then be concentrated, optionally utilizingat least one concentration method selected from the group consisting ofheating, vacuum drying, evaporation, refractance window drying, freezedrying, spray drying, any other useful technique, or any combination ofthe foregoing. In one embodiment, at least one technique such asrefractance window drying is used.

Once concentrated, the carbohydrate extract may be utilized in the petfood compositions of the present invention. In one embodiment herein,the present processes result in preferred yields of mannoheptulose orother carbohydrate, or carbohydrate extract, based on the starting massof the plant matter (e.g., avocado). In one embodiment, the yield ofmannoheptulose present in the carbohydrate extract subsequent toconcentration is less than about 20%, or from about 0.1% to about 10%,or from about 1% to about 7%, based on the starting mass of the plantmatter. In another embodiment, the yield of the carbohydrate extractsubsequent to concentration is less than about 30%, or from about 5% toabout 25%, or from about 8% to about 20%, based on the starting mass ofthe plant matter. Of course, even higher yields may be desirable, andlower yields may also be acceptable.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are provided to illustrate the invention and arenot intended to limit the scope thereof in any manner.

Example 1

Avocado extract containing enhanced levels of mannoheptulose is preparedin accordance with the following optional process, and utilized in petfood compositions of the present invention:

Whole avocado fruit (about 900 kilograms) is provided. The fruit issplit and the pits are removed, either partially or wholly, providingabout 225 kilograms of pitted avocado halves. The raw avocado is chargedto a disintegrator, whereupon some agitation, water (about 3000kilograms) and CELLUBRIX (commercially available from Novozymes A/S)(about 1 liter) is further charged. The mixture is further agitated andconcurrently heated to about 66° C. Upon completion of the charge,further CELLUBRIX (about 1 liter) is added, and the entire mixture isheld under agitation for about 12 hours at a controlled pH of about 5.5.The temperature is then further increased to about 80° C. and then heldfor at least about 2 hours. The resulting digested plant mixture is thenfiltered at 80° C. to provide the carbohydrate extract as the filtrate.The carbohydrate extract is then evaporated in a simplifiedrecirculation system at 80° C., under vacuum, to a provide thecarbohydrate extract having about from about 10% to about 20% solids anda pH of about 5.5. The extract is then further concentrated using arefractance window dryer to provide about 100 kilograms of the extractas a crystalline or powder (a yield of about 11% carbohydrate extract,based on the starting mass of the whole avocado fruit, which is analyzedas a yield of about 4.5% mannoheptulose, based on the starting mass ofthe whole avocado fruit). The extract may be used in the pet foodcompositions of the present invention.

Example 2

Two kibble compositions having the following components at theapproximate indicated amounts are prepared using methods which arestandard in the art, including extrusion, and are fed to cats as a dailyfeed:

Example 1A Example 1B (Component Amount (Component Amount indicated asindicated as Component Wt %) Wt %) Extract of Avocado 0.02 0.01 Chicken,Chicken By- 44 47 product Meal, and Fish Meal Chicken Fat 8 6 Beet Pulp2 3 Salts 2.5 2 Vitamins and Minerals** 1 1 Minors 3.5 4 GrainsRemainder Remainder (corn, sorghum) *Avocado may be substituted withother plant matter having enhanced mannoheptulose content. **Vitaminsand Minerals include: Vitamin E, beta-carotene and Vitamin A, ZincOxide, Ascorbic Acid, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, ManganousOxide, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B₁₂, Vitamin B₁, Niacin,Vitamin B₂, Vitamin B₆, Vitamin D₃, Folic Acid.

Example 3

A beef-flavor gravy composition is prepared by combining the followingcomponents in a conventional manner:

Component Wt % Mannoheptulose* 0.14 Chicken Fat 3.0 Spray-Dried BeefParticles and Broth 3.0 Xanthan Gum 0.5 Flax Seed 0.2 Vegetables 0.2Vitamins** 0.06 Minerals 0.04 Phosphoric Acid 0.95 Beef Flavor 0.1 WaterRemainder *Mannoheptulose may be substituted with another component asdescribed herein. **Vitamins and Minerals include: Vitamin E,beta-carotene and Vitamin A, Zinc Oxide, Ascorbic Acid, ManganeseSulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin,Vitamin B₁₂, Vitamin B₁, Niacin, Vitamin B₂, Vitamin B₆, Vitamin D₃,Folic Acid.

One fluid ounce of the gravy composition is admixed with one-half cup ofstandard dog kibble diet daily prior to feeding to a dog. Amounts of thegravy composition are determined as desired by the guardian of the dog.

1. A pet food composition comprising: a component selected from thegroup consisting of 2-deoxy-D-glucose; 5-thio-D-glucose;3-O-methylglucose; 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol; 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol;mannoheptulose; and mixtures thereof; vitamin E; and beta carotene. 2.The pet food composition of claim 1 comprising mannoheptulose, vitaminE, and beta carotene.
 3. The pet food composition of claim 2 and whereinthe pet food composition is a kibble.
 4. The pet food composition ofclaim 2 and wherein the pet food composition is nutritionally balanced.5. The pet food composition of claim 1 and wherein the pet foodcomposition is a gravy.
 6. The pet food composition of claim 5 andwherein the pet food composition is mixed with kibbles.
 7. The pet foodcomposition of claim 1 and wherein the pet food composition comprisesless than about 5% mannoheptulose.
 8. The pet food composition of claim1 and wherein said pet food composition is selected from the groupconsisting of a dry composition, a semi-moist composition, a wetcomposition, a supplement, and mixtures thereof.
 9. The pet foodcomposition of claim 1 and wherein the pet food composition is selectedfrom the group consisting of a kibble, treat, biscuit, and a supplement.10. The pet food composition of claim 1 and wherein the pet foodcomposition comprises a supplement.
 11. The pet food composition ofclaim 10 and wherein the supplement is selected from the groupconsisting of a gravy, drinking water, yogurt, powder, suspension, chew,treat, biscuit, and mixtures thereof.
 12. The pet food composition ofclaim 1 and wherein the pet food composition comprises less than about2% mannoheptulose.
 13. The pet food composition of claim 12 and whereinthe pet food composition comprises a nutritionally balanced kibble. 14.The pet food composition of claim 12 and wherein the pet foodcomposition comprises a supplement.
 15. The pet food composition ofclaim 14 and wherein the supplement is selected from the groupconsisting of a gravy, drinking water, yogurt, powder, suspension, chew,treat, biscuit, and mixtures thereof.
 16. The pet food composition ofclaim 1 and further comprising from about 10% to about 90%, on a drymatter basis, crude protein.
 17. The pet food composition of claim 1 andfurther comprising a source of carbohydrates.
 18. The pet foodcomposition of claim 1 and further comprising a source of fat.
 19. A petfood composition comprising mannoheptulose, vitamin E, and betacarotene.
 20. The pet food composition of claim 19 and wherein the petfood composition is a nutritionally balanced kibble.